From Maratha Rule to IITian Glory – Indore Speaks a Thousand Words

As the largest, and the most populous city in the city of Madhya Pradesh, Indore enjoys considerable prominence among the cities of India, and is one of the principal Tier II cities. Today, it has some of the best educational institutes in India, with both IIT and IIM campuses located here. Indore was a prominent location for trading in earlier times and was a key link between Delhi and the Deccan. It was once under the rule of the Hindu Maratha Empire and was also a princely state during the British Raj, ruled by the Holkar dynasty, till it became a part of the Union of India. Today, it is one of the cities that is to be converted into a Smart City and had also been ranked the cleanest city of India for three years in a row.

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With its rich history, and its growing prominence, Indore attracts a number of tourists each year and going in and around this city is a real joy. It has all the amenities that a big city has to offer but does not have the pollution and chaos that they are riddled with. Here are some of the tourist places in Indore that you must visit for sure when you are here.

As mentioned earlier, Indore is a treasure trove of historical materials and the buildings here bear testimony to the fact.

1. Kanch ka Mandir

Kanch ka Mandir, which literally translates to Temple of Glass, is a Jain Temple that was built by Seth Hukumchand and it was built sometime around 1903. Seth Hukumchand was a well-known trader during this time, and he had also built a beautiful mansion adjacent to the temple. Built in the pattern of a medieval mansion, the temple is covered entirely in glass panels and mosaic in the interiors and, including floors, ceilings and columns and the walls have some of the most stunning artwork you will ever see. Craftsmen from Jaipur, and as far as Iran had come over to adorn this stunning specimen of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple holds the idols of the Tirthankaras and the walls are adorned with the events that took place in their lifetimes. The ratha- yatra of the temple deserves special mention and the photography in the interiors of the temple is strictly prohibited.

2. Khajrana Ganesh Temple

Khajrana Ganesh Temple is a renowned temple in the city that was built in 1793 by Rani Ahilya Holkar. It is said that the queen excavated the idol from the grounds after a priest saw it in his dreams and had it installed in the temple. The temple is visited by thousands of tourists all the year round and it is said that prayers are answered here. The devotees also tie a thread once their wishes are fulfilled. The site from where the idol was excavated now has a well and it is right in front of the temple. The temple was initially the size of a small hut but has grown to the massive structure it is today over the years.

3. Rajwada Palace

Perhaps the most famous of the tourist places in Indore, the Rajwada Palace is yet another specimen of the labor of love that the Holkars bore for Indore and was built over two centuries ago. The palace now stands at the older part of the city and the entrance itself leaves the tourists spellbound with its lofty and grandiose arched gateway. The architecture has some Mughal influence as the craftsmen working on the palace at the time were majorly Muslims, and hence is a great example of fusion architecture. The wood jaalis and the jharokhas deserve special mention. It is a great place to capture some stunning photographs. The Tulsi Kund at the rear of the main palace, and the two courtyards is where all the festivities of the palace took place in earlier times.

4. Yeshwant Club

The Yeshwant Club is perhaps one of the most sought after addresses in the country and entry to the club is very difficult for regular tourists, but they can still catch a glimpse of this prestigious address from the outside and admire its architecture. The Club was established in 1934 by Maharaja Tukoji Rao III Holkar for his son and since then it has seen a steady stream of kings, aristocrats, and business elites pass through its doors. Membership is often granted from one generation to another, and the club grants them only to the most elite. The club has its own swimming pool, gym, golf and polo ground and musical nights and state dinners are often hosted here.

5. Indore White Church

The Indore White Church is an example of the British prominence in the region prior to Independence. The architecture is almost entirely European and the pristine white façade is very well maintained. The church comes to life during Christmas and the festivities goes on for days. Easter is also a special occasion to be celebrated here. The church holds a very special place in the hearts of the people and the Sunday Mass is held with a lot of love and reverence.

6. Indore Museum

Indore Museum The Indore Museum will prove to be a very educational trip, especially if there are children traveling with you. The museum is very well kept and there are artifacts from as early as 11^th century to be seen here. Coins, manuscripts, ancient utensils, idols and sculptures from by gone era are preserved here and there are dried botanical herbs and creatures to be found here as well, carefully preserved. The museum is located just 3 km away from the city center and is very easy to reach via public transport. One can also get hold of pamphlets and books on history and botany from here. The best thing is that no entry fee is needed and the museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 5 pm.

7. Patalpani Waterfalls

If you want to get away from the main city for a while, then head towards the Patalpani waterfalls, located just about 25 km away from the city center. The waterfalls plummet from a height of about 300 meters and it is surely one of the best sights you will ever see. The falls have a mist like effect when they hit the ground below and it forms a dreamy atmosphere. The waterfalls should however, be avoided during the monsoons as the rocks here tend to become slippery. At other times, however, the region has splendid weather conditions and it happens to be one of the most famous picnic spots in Indore.

8. Ralamandala Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ralamandala Wildlife Sanctuary has located about 10 km from the city center of Indore but will take you to a whole new world. The River Narmada, which is considered about 150 million years older than the River Ganga, passes through the sanctuary. One can catch a glimpse of the deer, hares, and ever tigers here. The Barking Deer, along with the Black Buck, and the Blue Bull can be seen here. A wide number of trees, birds and insects are also to be found here and bird watchers come here in winters in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of the migratory birds.

9. Hanuwantiya

Sightseeing in Indore cannot be complete unless you have visited Hanuwantiya. It is a small island in the Indira Sagar River and the small islands form a pristine view. Boating is of course, the chief entertainment here and it is quite an adventure to hop from island to another and go on an adventure. The Jal Mahotsav organized here draws tourists in large numbers for kite flying. The night sky, on the other hand, comes alive with hot air balloons. The island also has a plethora of flora and fauna that will keep you mesmerized. The Indira Sagar Dam here is also a popular tourist spot. One can engage in all kinds of water sports here like scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skiing.

10. Nehru Park

Nehru Park is a popular picnic spot in Indore and families come here in huge numbers during the holidays and the weekends. There are pony rides to be enjoyed here and the adjoining zoo is always a thrill to visit, especially the white tigress and her cubs. Elephant rides and camel rides can be enjoyed as well. The park is open from 9 am to 7 pm and has an entry fee of just INR 10. Camera charges are extra at INR 50.

Places to shop in Indore

If you are in Indore, you cannot miss the street shopping experience here.

You have to visit the Sarafa Bazaar here if you are high on street and junk jewelry. The shops sell authentic meenakari jewelry and very affordable rates.
You should head to MT Cloth Market to replenish your wardrobe with chanderi silk sarees and dress materials. One can usually find them here in wholesale rates if one is buying in bulk.
A very popular shop in the city is Paakeeza which sells ethnic clothes of very high quality and embroidery.
If you are a book lover, you have to visit Khajuri Bazaar and you can find many new and old book shops here that sell even some rare titles. It is a real pleasure to browse through them.
The Topkhana Market is the place to be in if you are looking for quality handcraft items. The items sold here made predominantly by local craftsmen with sustainable materials and is a hit among foreign tourists.
The Marothia Bazaar will help you with your search for fresh fruits, flowers and spices and your sense will come once you start approaching the marketplace.

Places to Eat In Indore:

If you are a street food lover, then you have to visit Chappan Bazaar. The market is Chappan of 56 markets, and all of them are dedicated to food. No matter what your tastes are, you are sure to find something to suit your taste buds here.
The above mentioned Sarafa Bazaar also has a section dedicated entirely to street food and it is said that about 3000 visitors visit the shops here each day.
If you are a non- vegetarian and love Biryani, then head to Hakeem.
On the other hand, Nakhrali Dhani will present you with the most perfect Rajasthani Thali you have ever tasted.
The Chocolate Room and the Groundbreaking Company will cater to your sweet tooth with their delectable spread of pastries, cakes and doughnuts.

Where to Stay in Indore

Whether you are in Indore for business or for a vacation, there is no dearth of accommodation here. You can book any room of your choice through the OYO app and there are rooms available for every budget. You may choose hotels near the airport or the railway station, or even near the bus stand, depending on your commute while exploring Indore. There are hotels near the city center in case you want everything at your doorstep and there are hotels in the outskirts as well, in case you want to avoid the heavy traffic of the main city. Whatever your preference may be, you will find just what you need through the OYO website or app.

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